2013 was a great year!

2013 will definitely be a memorable year for me. There were highs and lows of course, but resulting in an overall amazing year! Here are my top 3 highlights:

1. As a Realtor, it was my best financial, educational and sales year. The year began with me moving real estate companies. It's a stressful and time consuming task when switching your entire business, but it was an important move and I'm glad I made the change.
Sales in the area started out slow, but once March came I was busy listing and selling homes throughout the 5 counties!
My increased sales volume inevitably resulted in many learning experiences. Our area saw bidding wars, appraisal issues and very low inventory. Having started my real estate career in the housing downturn, some issues came up that I had never encountered before. I also had my first foreclosure and short sale transactions. Yikes!

I learned a lot over the last 12 months that will help me succeed for years to come.

2. As of the first week in January 2014, I will have no family in Pennsylvania. It still has not completely sunk in yet...
In the fall, my parents moved out to Denver Colorado area to serve a 23 month church mission. We sold their home in the Summer and they headed west in October. It was sad to see them leave, but I know they are doing something they've planned and wished to do for years. I'm very excited for them!
My sister Linda and her husband Toby are headed out west too. They took a job opportunity in Los Angeles, CA and are moving this week! Them not being in PA hasn't completely set in... We had a going away party on the 28th which definitely made me realize they are leaving. I'm truly sad to see them go.

The fact that my 3 other siblings and their families have always lived far away makes this change a little easier to handle. Although, I've always lived with or close to Linda my whole life, so it will be an adjustment!
Even though I do not have my parents or siblings near by, I have my husband-- which leads me into my third memorable event for the year.

3. The most amazing part of my year was getting married to the most wonderful man on August 10th! I can't wait to grow old with him and have many holiday memories as a family!
Our wedding brought his family from South Africa and New Zealand to the states as well as my 3 other siblings, nieces and nephews. We spent about 2 weeks in August with the families here in the Philadelphia area. In addition to our wedding at the Kimberton Inn, we went to Knoebels amusement park, Ocean City, downtown Philadelphia- all over.

 It was so wonderful to see everyone in one place- we realize it will not happen often. 

We are truly blessed to have them in our lives, near or far. 

Discover your "Big Why"

Whenever I'm having a rough day, I ask myself "why do I do this?"
Being a Realtor isn't always exciting- there are a lot of late nights, weekends and impromptu meetings- so at times I need to reflect on why I do what I do.

My broker office recommends discovering your "Big Why." This can really pertain to any profession or goal you have. Think about why you do what you do- what makes you wake up in the morning and go to work?
A personal example is; I want to have control of my schedule to visit my immediate family that live far away.

I started my real estate journey in 2006 with my first "real" job after college. I worked at a title insurance company handling settlements and sensitive documents. I didn't particularly like the job, mostly because there was not a definite starting and ending time and I like to have some sort of schedule. But there was some positive-I learned so much about the transfer of real estate and started to grow out of my shy shell.
I then transitioned to new construction home sales. My office was a model home and I got to help so many people obtain their dream home. I really enjoyed it, but to be honest I hated sitting 8 hours in the living room decorated office anticipating clients to come in.
In 2010 I lost that job due to builder bankruptcy and restructuring. I was young & scared which actually resulted in the ideal time (mentally) to transition into the residential real estate market. I was eager to learn, grow and genuinely help people purchase ANY home out there- not just the new construction community I previously sold.
The last 3 years have been a roller coaster. Starting a new career in an unstable industry is not easy, but it's been a good ride.

Early on I had to determine my BIG WHY to keep me motivated. It's important to have a clear vision of your goal and dreams so you can achieve them. 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to discover your Why:
- Why did I go into business to begin with?
- Why do I want to grow the business and increase my personal income?
- Why do I want to improve my health?
- Why is all this so important to me?

Home Inspection

A few days ago I had a post on my business Facebook.com page stating in a recent homebuyer survey, 77% of buyers had an inspection prior to closing on their home.

I'm a huge advocate of an inspection and having an inspection contingency in offers and agreements. It's not only a good way to find any defects, but it's an education about the property and how to maintain things. Whether you're a first time buyer or have purchased before, every home is different so getting a professional to walk you through the home is well worth the money!

**Click the link below for the full article and survey results.
www.parjustlisted.com

**For more tips and information about the home inspection process read this:
http://www.kellykneeland.com/marketinglinks/C835F259

Celebrating the Holidays in Philadelphia

I love the holiday season for so many reasons! Giving presents, Holiday lights, parties, sweet treats, volunteering, I could go on and on! However, I often feel overwhelmed by all of the things to do!
VisitPhilly.com  is helping us (me) out! They put together a great "To Do" holiday list for this year.

Whether looking for the best shopping, family fun or light show, they have the information listed on their site. Take a look and make your plans!

http://www.visitphilly.com/holidays-in-philadelphia/?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=December2013

Market Update

According to Trend MLS, the Philadelphia region real estate listing service, October saw an overall increase from the previous year. They said that despite the fear the government shutdown would have a negative effect on real estate activity, October closed sales exceeded last year by 18% and year-to-date is now 16% above last year.

In Montgomery county, there were 669 settled units in October 2013 compared to 514 in October 2012. The median sale price also increased from $246,000 in 2012 to $276,000 in October 2014. 

All good signs!

According to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist and senior VP for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), he predicts the housing demand to plateau next year with housing prices to increase by 6% and interest rates hitting 5.4%. The higher interest rate my discourage some buyers, but with the increase in job creation and loosening lending standards, he believes sales should balance out.

I think if you're on the fence on buying (moving up, scaling down, or first time) it's a great time to start the process. Now is the time to speak to a mortgage consultant and Realtor to get yourself in the position to make a move in 2014! 

Online home searching

Did you know that over 90% of buyers look online before getting serious about purchasing a home.

Makes sense, right? Don't we usually go online before buying anything? 

There are a ton of different websites where you can search properties for sale. However, not all websites are the same nor provide the best & most accurate information. 

Below is a snapshot of my Keller Williams online search page. There are a few cool things that it offers:

Save listings you like

You can sign up for listing alerts

Get neighborhood stats, school information, etc. 

Plus if you have questions about a home- you can contact me directly! Not some stranger listed next to the listing 

Downsizing

This year I've had to opportunity to work with a handful of clients looking to downsize. Their current home had become a little too much to manage, both inside and out. Some of these clients lived in their home for almost 20 years, which resulted in 20 years of "stuff." A lot of the "stuff" was sentimental and some was was junk, but digging in and starting the purge phase can be daunting.

Houzz.com (aka my new obsession) recently posted an article "Tips for Moving Into a Smaller Space." A lot of the tips they provide are similar to what I've expressed to clients- prioritize your things, give items to family members so it stays in the family, host garage sales, etc. But the article also focuses on changing your mindset & living habits. It helps you think of different ways to organize your rooms and prioritize what's important.

Enjoy :)

Tips for Moving Into a Smaller Space

General contractors, home builders, and more ∨

Hire an decorator to find that just-right sofa couch and cocktail table for your living room.
Find inspiring decorating ideas, from a tufted headboard to custom window treatments, to help you redesign your bedroom.

My new obsession

Houzz.com- Have you heard of it? Better yet, have you experienced it?
Think Pinterest.com, but only the home decor pins. It's inspiring, educating and addicting.

Did you purchase a new home, thinking about updating your kitchen or just bored with your living room layout? This site offers TONS of ideas, tips and open discussions within any style personality.

You can even search out local professionals! Contractors, architects, landscape designers, pretty much anything. For example, I came across a Montgomery County, PA barn Style Specialist- pretty random and cool.


Check it out for holiday decorations ideas.

50 Photos of Amazing Holiday Decorations

Architecture, interior design, and more ∨

Before you throw your next party, browse a wide selection of home bar supplies, drinking glasses and kitchen serveware.
Light up your living spaces with recessed lighting fixtures, a unique chandelier or even a pendant light fixture.

Or learn how to protect your home from Winter water damage.

Protect Your House From Winter Water Damage

Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨

From Shabby Chic home decor to contemporary furniture and mirrors, browse thousands of decorating ideas to inspire your next home project.
For small bathroom ideas, browse photos of space-saving bathroom cabinets and clever hidden medicine cabinets.

This Month in Real Estate

Buying from a bank

Bank/REO, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Short Sale, Bank Owned
Have you seen these labels on homes you've seen? These days, it's not uncommon to come across a property that is for sale by a bank. Ruling them out of your search could really limit the homes you could buy.
But buying a bank owned home tends to be a lot more stressful than a "normal" sale.

In my personal and business experience, I feel if you have more knowledge-the less stressful it can be.
So here's the stages of a bank owned property:

1. Pre-foreclosure: Homeowners who fall behind in their mortgage payments don't lose their home right away; rather, they are issued a notice from the bank wherein the default becomes a matter of public record. At this pre-foreclosure state, homeowners can still prevent the loss of their home by working out a deal with the lender -- i.e., a short sale.

2. Auction: Once the bank forecloses on a home, the home is often auctioned out to the highest bidder (in an attempt by the bank to recoup some of its losses). This is the second chance homebuyers have to buy a house for less money. If a sale does not take place, the homes officially become bank-owned property.

3. Bank-owned real estate: Often advertised as "bank-owned foreclosures," these homes offer homebuyers the greatest number of benefits.

Tips:

• Expect days to weeks for replies- buying a bank owned home is not ideal for impatient people
• Short sale homes don't take a "short" time- have flexibility with your settlement date. 
• Expect to pay more out of pocket- example: for both sides of transfer taxes & city/township certifications, etc.
• Shoot for between 15%-30% under asking price depending on the condition of the property.
• Make your offer contingent on inspection and bring a contractor with you on inspection day.
• Banks counter offers sometimes, but it's a good idea to give your best offer first

Realtor.com

Interest Rate news

TGIF!
Let's end the week on some positive market news---
Mortgage rates fell again!
The 30 year fixed mortgage interest rate fell to an average 4.10%, it's the lowest since June.
This will hopefully encourage more buyers to enter the market and boost housing industry.

For example:
$250,000 mortgage
4.10% interest rate (fixed 30 year)
Roughly $1200 per month payment

A few months ago the rate was ticking up to around 5%
$250,000 mortgage
5% interest rate
Roughly $1340 per month

If you're on the fence, it could be worth it to start the process sooner than later.

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2013/11/01/mortgage-rates-fall-lowest-levels-june

Doing your homework

On Sunday, I hosted an open house in Flourtown, PA. It's a cute bungalow style home in a convenient location to town and commuting. I suspect it will sell quickly!

One of the reasons Realtors have open houses is to expose the home to "looky loo" buyers. These buyers may not be looking to buy a home today, but they may have seen the home online and are curious enough to see it in person. Or maybe they aren't very familiar with the area and want to understand the home styles and pricing. This is what I call- home buying homework.

Yesterday at my open house, I spoke to a young couple doing just this. They live in Philadelphia and want to move to the suburbs, but they don't want to feel like they live in the "burbs." So they have been going out to open houses in various towns to drive around the area and see properties. Exactly what they should be doing!

Whenever I have a client that isn't sure where they want to live, but know what they want (i.e. price, style, size), I always recommend going out to open houses in different towns. Spend a Sunday driving around, seeing homes (in person or drive by) and even go to a restaurant or two. This should give you a good sense of the area and neighbors.
As a buyer, you need to do your due diligence to find out if one particular area will satisfy your needs.

As a Realtor, from the criteria you convey to us we can help find the home that fits your home criteria and guide you to areas that potentially fit your needs. On paper, what we find can fit your needs, but a home is very personal so you need to feel that it's the right place. It's essential for you to doing a little homework on the neighborhood, schools, Megan's law, etc as well.

**While you're driving around and come across a home for sale- wouldn't it be nice to have an easy app to open to get price, pictures and details?? There are a ton of real estate apps out there, but honestly I just downloaded the Keller Williams app and it's SUPER easy to navigate and use. It's my go to app now (and it's not because I'm a KW agents, its honestly the best)
Download yours today!
app.kw.com

Getting your home ready for 2014

If you're thinking about selling your home next Spring, you should really start getting ready today!

The Spring Real Estate market technically begins in late January, early February. So it's not crazy to start getting you and your home ready in Fall.

1. Speak with a Realtor to get an understanding of what's happening in your neighborhood. They will provide recently closed sales, currently pending and active listings to know your competition. Maybe even tour the open houses in the area to have an idea of the condition of the surrounding homes. These homes may be sold by the time you put yours on the market, but they will still be used as a comparison when a buyer places an offer on your home.
2. Look at the exterior of your home. Should you paint, seal, landscape before those winter storms? Most likely the answer is yes. Curb appeal is essential to getting buyers INSIDE your home. Do the work now to prevent any potential problems and to ensure it's ready for those photos come January.
3. I spoke with a home stager this week that gave some good tips as well. Suzanne Otto with Six Twenty Design  suggests getting in habits now. Teach your kids to put their belonging (backpacks, toys, shoes, etc) in their bedrooms, not the dining or living room. Stop putting your mail and paperwork on the dining room table, place in a designated area away from everything.
I think this is a great tip! By the time your home is on the market, you won't be scrambling before every showing because you've already gotten in the habit to keep the home tidy.
Read more tips <<here>>
She also offers this piece of advice that I really believe in as well:
"this isn't your home anymore, it's a product you need to market. So don't take offense to the advice your real estate agent or home stager gives you about your home and how it looks. We're all working towards the same end goal and that's to get your house sold." 

If you have questions or would like advice on your specific home, I'm here to help. Contact me today!

Pick Your Own!

I LOVE Fall-  I love pumpkin flavored food, sweaters and Halloween!

Last year my sister and her two boys were in town visiting from Utah. It was fun to celebrate some Fall festivities with a few of my nephews since I don't have them around often. One day we went to Linvilla Orchards to pick apples, pumpkins, go on a hayride and my nephew Noah even had his face painted like a skelton. It was really a great day!

This was my first "Pick Your Own" (PYO) experience and now I'm hooked. 

If you're looking for some places to pick your own veggies, here are some suggestions:

Linvilla Orchards- Media, PA
http://www.linvilla.com/family-fun/pick-your-own/
Open Daily 8am-7pm

Longview Center for Agriculture- Collegeville, PA
http://www.longviewfarmmarket.org/pick-your-own
Wednesday-Saturday
**Saturdays they have pumpkin pancakes from 9am-11am!!

Highland Orchards-West Chester, PA
http://www.highlandorchards.net/HOInc/Picking.html
Noon to 5pm on weekends

Shady Brook Farms- Yardley, PA
http://shadybrookfarm.com/farm-market/pick-your-own/
Blackberries & Pumpkins!

Hurry before they're all picked!

Fall is here!

With the heat wave in Philadelphia last week, I was getting nervous I'd have to unpack my flip flops and shorts! But luckily- fall has arrived.

With the colder months, there are some things you should do inside and outside of your home to ensure you're maintaining it properly.

Outside:

• Take a look at your trees. Alison Pottage with SaveATree throughout the Main Line area of Philadelphia says 'Preventative pruning and tree evaluations before the winter or any storms gives your landscape and trees the best chance to make it through unscathed for all to enjoy in the spring.' Get more tree tips at their website http://www.savatree.com/tree-hazards.html
• Now is the perfect time to seed your lawn. With the temperatures in 50's, it's the ideal time for roots to grow
• Fertilize before the first frost to preserve your grass
• Mulch in Fall and Spring- grind some fallen leaves and add to your mulch for extra nutrients 

Inside:

• Save on energy costs by fixing those drafty windows and doors. Apply weather stripping or rope caulk  along window sashes. Add draft snakes to the bottom of your doors and windows- cheap and quick fix!
• Have your annual inspection of the fireplace before it's used. Remember to close the damper when chimney is not use to keep warm air inside!
• Schedule your furnace tune up. Think about getting a service contract so they keep track of your yearly maintenance and tune ups. 

Houselogic.com has put together a nice Northeast seasonal maintenance checklist:

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/maintenance-repair/fall-winter-seasonal-maintenance-guide-northeast/

First Timers

What makes you want to own a home?
Tired of paying someone else mortgage?
Hate moving every year?
Want to build equity?
Low interest rates?

Whatever the reason, it's important to have a clear idea of the pros and cons of being a homeowner to ensure you're making the right decision.
Jumping into the real estate market because people on t.v. tell you it's a good time, isn't the best idea. It has to be the right time for YOU. The market conditions or interest rates shouldn't be the main reason to make such a big purchase. You have to be ready to be a homeowner and everything involved with that. Although, with the current rates and sale prices, buying a home should be something to seriously think about right now.

Some things to consider:
How long to you intend to be in the area
How much money do you have saved
- Downpayment
- Closing Costs
- Emergency fund
Are you prepared to fix things yourself, not rely on a landlord
You will save money at tax time through mortgage and property tax deductions
You can paint walls, change flooring, add a deck, essentially do what you want because it's YOURS
Where do you want to live? Can you afford that area right now?
When do you want to be in a new home

Take a minute to write down (with your significant if applicable) the reason(s) why you want to own a home and if you're financially and emotionally ready.
If you have questions about financing or the local market, consult with a mortgage and real estate professional. We are here to answer questions and help!
Good luck!

Monday Morning Market update

August real estate reports show continued rise in sales and prices. "Existing-home sales increased in August and reached the highest level in six-and-a-half years, while the median price shows nine consecutive months of double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors®."

The lack of inventory isn't only in the Philadelphia area either. Data from realtor.com, NAR’s listing site, shows large declines in inventory from a year ago in Naples, Fla., down 23.5% ; the Detroit area, down 23.3%; and the greater Boston area, down 20.7%. 

For more details click here

Thinking about moving UP? It may be a good time to make a move

"Housing demand by trade-up buyers is rising as the home equity available to these prospective buyers is improving as foreclosures sales decline nationwide and are in high demand in many fast-rising markets" According to a recent Real Estate Economy Watch article.
"...higher home prices are bringing out trade-up demand from existing homeowners who are experiencing rising home equity, which supports a down payment on their next bigger house."

www.realestateeconomywatch.com

If you are curious what you're home is worth in today's market and what you could afford to purchase, contact me (or any Realtor) for guidance. I can provide the necessary information to make the best decision for you and your family. 

Happy Anniversary To ME

Three years ago I decided to make a bold, but exciting transition from the new construction home builder industry into the residential resale world. It required the same real estate license, same goal of helping people obtain their dream to own a home, but a completely different business structure.

I made the commitment to become an independent real estate salesperson (a.k.a. a Realtor) in 2010 and three years later I couldn't be happier! Starting a business is scary. Not having a steady paycheck and no one telling you when to go to work was an adjustment and required discipline. Dedication, hard work, a vision and the amazing support from friends and family has enabled me to keep doing what I love- and what I've become very good at.

The real estate brokerage I was with does not give you leads, only guidance and training. (I later found out that is more than most companies do!) They helped me gain the confidence to get clients the best deal and have a smooth settlement process. In addition, ideas on how to find clients!

One of my first clients was referred to me by the mortgage rep from my previous job. She was qualifying a buyer for a new 55+ community and they needed to sell their home first. I met with them and they quickly hired me to sell their current home and help them buy their new home. From there, the referrals from close business professionals, my family and friends continues to grow. It's amazing what word of mouth advertising has done for me, and I honestly couldn't be more grateful.

On my anniversary (well around this time :) ) I'd like to thank each of you that have believed in me and my business, whether for your own needs or referred me to someone you know. It's an honor to provide service to the people that mean most to me.

Looking forward to serving all of you for many more years!

Thank you,
Kelly Kneeland Steyn

Not so scary Friday the 13th news

Here is a quick rundown of the residential real estate activity over the first 8 months of 2013

• Chester County- 2013 single family home sales (3863) are up 15.5% compared to the first 8 months of 2012. The year-to-date median price of single family homes ($310,000) is also up 3% from during this same reporting period
• Delaware County- 2013 single family homes sales (3460) are up 10.3% compared to the first 8 months of 2012. The year-to-date median price of single family homes ($220,000) is also up 4.5% during this same reporting period
• Montgomery County- 2013 single family home sales (5689) are up 14.7% compared to the first 8 months of 2012. The year-to-date median price of single family homes ($269,500) is also up 4.6% during this same reporting period

Wondering what upgrades are a waste of money and time? 
Houselogic.com compiled a list of upgrades with the lowest Return on Investment (ROI)

Outdoor Kitchen

The fantasy: You’re the man — grilling steaks, blending margaritas, and washing highball glasses without ever leaving your pimped-out patio kitchen.

The reality: For what it costs — on average $12,000-$15,000 — are you really gonna use it? Despite our penchant for eating alfresco, families spend most leisure time in front of some screen and almost no leisure time outdoors, no matter how much they spend on amenities, according to UCLA’s Life At Home study. And the National Association of Home Builders’ 2013 What Home Buyers Really Want report says 35% of mid-range buyers don’t want an outdoor kitchen.

The bottom-line: Instead, buy a tricked out gas grill, which will do just fine when you need to char something. If you’re dying for an outdoor upgrade, install exterior lighting — only 1% of buyers don’t want that.

In-Ground Swimming Pool

The fantasy: Floating aimlessly, sipping umbrella drinks, staying cool in the dog days of summer.

The reality: Pools are money pits that you’ll spend $17,000-$45,000-plus to install (concrete), and thousands more to insure, secure, and maintain. Plus, you won’t use them as much as you think, and when you’re ready to sell, buyers will call your pool a maintenance pain.

The bottom-line: If your idea of making it includes a backyard swimming pool, go for it. But, get real about:

• How many days per year you’ll actually swim.

• How much your energy bills will climb to heat the water ($760-$1,845 depending on location and temperature).

• What you’ll pay to clean and chemically treat the pool ($20-$100/month in-season if you do it yourself; $75-$165/month for a pool service).

• The fact that you’ll likely need to invest in a pool fence. In fact, some insurance carriers require it.

Related:

Less expensive option: an above-ground pool

Lower maintenance option: natural pools

If you do put in a pool, you can save money by installing a solar heater.

($200-$650) probably will suffice.

New Windows

The fantasy: Brand new windows that don’t stick, and slash energy bills.

The reality: A $10,000 vinyl window replacement project will recoup about 70% of your investment at resale, and if they’re Energy Star-qualified, they can save you around $300 in energy bills per year.  So, plan to live in your house about another 10 years to recoup the cost of new windows. 

The bottom-line: We get it — new windows are sturdy, pretty energy save. But unless old window frames are thoroughly rotten, most windows can be repaired for a fraction of replacement costs. And if you spend about $1,000 to update insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping, you’ll save 10%-20% on your energy bill.

Read entire article CLICK HERE

Monday Morning Updates

Market News:
Mortgage interest rates continue to be a big topic.
The average 30 year mortgage has risen more than a percentage point since May 2013.
They are still low- mid 4's- but with signs of a strengthening economy and house industry keeps driving rates up. 

Local News:
One of my persona favorite towns was spotlighted in the Philadelphia Inquire this weekend. Chester Springs is an area still encompassed by trees and rolling hills. Your located mostly within Downingtown School District (parts are also in Owen J Roberts, Phoenixville and Great Valley) and minutes from the Turnpike, shopping malls and quaint restaurants.

Chester Springs by the Numbers:

Population: 13,922 (2010) 
Median income: $133,736 (2010) 
Area: 26 square miles 
Homes for sale: 100 
Settlements in the last three months: 81 
Median days on market: 93 
Median price (single-family homes): $307,000 
Median price (all homes): $307,000 
Housing stock: 4,970 units, most post-1970 
School districts: Downingtown Area; Great Valley; Phoenixville Area; Owen J. Roberts *
19425 zip code SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau;

Read the entire article and earn more about the specific market  <<here>>

Local Events:
Fall Restaurant weeks are here!!
Starting September 15th you can eat at fabulous restaurants for as little as $20 a person!
Philadelphia
http://www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.php

Main Line area
http://www.mainlinerestaurantweek.com/